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The 78-year-old's arm was recovered and she was airlifted to hospital in Plymouth.

The woman was taken to the Derriford Hospital in Plymouth (Image: Google)

A Devon and Cornwall police spokesman said: "What appears to have happened is that she has lent into the car to close the electric windows, she has turned on the ignition to get the power to turn the electric windows to close but unfortunately the car was in gear and the car has lurched forward trapping her hand/arm.

"In the process of doing that it has taken her arm off."

He added although the pensioner had suffered "life-changing injuries" it is hoped surgeons will be able to re-attach the arm and she will make a good recovery.